View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. At which radio station did Carmelita make the PSA?

2. The servant tells Juana to be careful. Juana protests by showing which of the following weapons?

3. What was the name of the organization joined by Carmelita?

4. What is the translation of "La Estrella Vacia?"

5. What color are the Dictator's fingernails?

Short Essay Questions

1. Examine the scene in which Carmelita is walking home from the Tropicana.

2. What are some of the topics discussed in the BMU by the women? What family story does Carmelita tell the others?

3. What about the scene is so foreign to Arriero? What is his reaction?

4. Carmelita comments that the women need the spirit of Rosa Parks. Who is Rosa Parks? Why does Carmelita see her as a role model?

5. What is the main theme in "Carmelita Tropicana: Your Kunst Is Your Waffen?"

6. What agreement is made between the Prosecutor and Juana? What happens to Juana after the agreement is made?

7. Describe Carmelita Tropicana as a person. What was her vision?

8. Dee and others make comments about nutty women being incarcerated at the BMU. What was meant by that statement?

9. What did Carmelita learn upon this last trip home to Cuba?

10. What happens to interrupt the tender moment between Juana and Maria Luisa? What major event occurs? Who appears on the scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Homosexuality is a main theme throughout the book. Carmelita is a lesbian as is pointed out in several acts and scenes. Discuss Carmelita's homosexuality. In some cases the homosexuality seems to be borne out of the situation rather than conscious choice. This can be seen in Sor Juana when the vicereine insists that Juana kiss her. Carmelita also enters into several relationships based on the situation, including her relationship with Rodesia in the BMU. Discuss homosexuality as it pertains to the story and explain how it affects the characters and their actions toward each other and the other main themes in the text.

Essay Topic 2

Sor Juana: The Nightmare is a surreal piece about a 17th century Mexican nun. Examine Troyano's use of the nightmare in explaining Juana's talent, beliefs, and commitments. What is the purpose of the nightmare? How does the play fit in with Carmelita's story? Which parts, if any, of the nightmare were real? What do you think happened with Juana? What might have happened to the vicereine? Did their relationship continue? Was Juana's work ever published?

Essay Topic 3

Who is Carmelita Tropicana? What is her real name? What is the purpose of the book? Write a complete character description of Carmelita Tropicana as well as that of her alter-ego, Alina Troyano. Is there any difference between Troyano and Carmelita Tropicana? If so, what? Why did Troyano choose to become Carmelita Tropicana? What is the biggest impact made by Carmelita Tropicana​?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,128 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample